Having a burnt or scorched quartz countertop can be an eyesore in your kitchen. While quartz is durable, extreme heat can damage the surface and leave unsightly marks. The good news is that there are several methods you can try to remove burnt stains from quartz. With a little effort, you can often restore your countertops to look like new again.
Assessing the Damage
The first step is to assess the extent of the damage. Small, light burns may require just a simple cleaning, while deeper burns need more intensive repair.
Look at the Size and Depth of the Burn
- Small, surface-level burns less than 1 inch wide can often be buffed out.
- Larger or deeper burns that have affected the resin or quartz layers will require extra work.
Determine if the Burn is Smooth or Textured
- Smooth burns are usually less deep and easier to fix.
- Textured or pitted burns penetration deeper and are more challenging to repair.
Consider the Location on the Countertop
- Burns on the flat counter surface are easier to fix than those over edges or seams.
- Damaged seams may allow moisture underneath that complicates repairs.
By carefully inspecting the burn, you can decide on the best approach to treat it. Minor discoloration can be cleaned while more pervasive damage needs professional help.
Cleaning and Polishing Minor Burns
For light surface burns, often a good cleaning and polishing is all that’s needed. Here are some DIY methods to try:
Clean with Mild Dish Soap and Water
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wash the burnt area. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
Use a Specialized Quartz Cleaner
- Look for cleaners made for quartz and granite countertops.
- Follow product instructions carefully to lift stains without damaging the surface.
Apply Baking Soda and Water Paste
- Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply to the burnt spot.
- Let sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing lightly and rinsing.
Polish with Olive Oil and Salt
- Pour some olive oil on a soft cloth and sprinkle with salt.
- Buff the burnt area in small circular motions. The salt will gently scour.
Use a Pumice Stone
- Very lightly rub a damp pumice stone over the burnt spot in motions parallel to the quartz veins.
- Take care not to grind too hard, which can dull the top layer.
With gentle cleaning and polishing, you may be able to reduce or remove light burning on quartz. But be careful not to damage the surface further.
Fixing Deep Burns and Discoloration
For more stubborn burnt stains or pits and gouges in the surface, you’ll need to take more intensive repair measures:
Sand Down Shallow Burns
- Use 400 grit sandpaper to carefully smooth out damaged areas.
- Work in the direction of the countertop seams to blend.
- Be very careful not to sand too aggressively and thin the quartz.
Fill Deeper Pits with Epoxy
- Clean and dry the damaged spot thoroughly.
- Fill any deeper cavities with an epoxy resin designed for quartz.
- Allow to fully cure before sanding flush.
Use a Heat Gun to Reflow Light Burns
- Heat guns can blend some light scorching by re-melting the top layer.
- Work slowly and evenly over the burn, keeping the heat gun 6 inches away.
- Avoid overheating, which can damage the resin binder.
Re-polish the Entire Surface
- Use a marble polishing compound or automotive rubbing compound.
- Apply with a buffing pad in circular motions using minimal pressure.
- Finish by buffing the entire counter with a microfiber cloth.
Professional Resurfacing for Serious Damage
- For deep burns, fractures, or large damaged areas, hire a pro.
- They can sand down and resurface the damaged sections with epoxy.
- Yields the best results for severely burnt quartz.
While DIY methods work for minor damage, don’t attempt to grind, sand, or refinish large sections yourself. Hire a professional fabricator for anything beyond a light surface burn.
Preventing Future Burns
To avoid more burnt countertops in the future, be cautious about exposing quartz to excessive heat:
- Always use trivets and hot pads under hot pans, dishes, or appliances.
- Don’t place boiling pots of water or hot skillets directly on quartz.
- Keep heat-generating appliances like Instant Pots or air fryers on mats.
- Don’t leave burning candles unattended on the countertop.
- Avoid putting excessively hot items in the sink basin.
Quartz can stand up to normal use, but extreme temperatures from cookware can damage the resin layer. With some TLC and preventative care, your countertops will stay gorgeous for years.
FAQ About Fixing Burnt Quartz Counters
What’s the easiest way to remove a minor quartz counter burn?
For light surface burns, use a mixture of baking soda and water to gently clean, scrub, and strip away the stain. This is effective on light discoloration.
How do you fill pits and gouges in burnt quartz?
For deeper damages, you’ll need to carefully fill the void with an epoxy resin formulated for use on quartz countertops. Allow to fully cure and harden before sanding flush.
Can you sand out burns on a quartz counter yourself?
Use 400 grit sandpaper to lightly smooth minor burnt spots, working in the direction of the countertop seams. But don’t sand large areas or deep burns yourself; hire a pro instead.
What should you avoid putting on quartz counters?
Never place hot pans, boiling pots, candles, or heat-generating appliances directly on quartz. Always use trivets and mats to protect the surface from extreme heat that can burn and blister the resin layer.
Does burnt quartz need to be fully replaced?
Not always. Light burns can be repaired, and deeper damages can be sanded down and resurfaced with epoxy fillers. But severe burns may mean replacing sections or the whole countertop.
Can you use a heat gun to remove burns from quartz?
Yes, you can carefully re-melt light scorch marks using a heat gun on the warm setting from about 6 inches away. But take care not to overheat the surface and make sure to polish afterwards.
In Conclusion
While no one wants to damage their beautiful quartz countertops, minor burns and scorch marks can happen from hot pans and other heat exposure. But don’t panic – in many cases you can successfully repair burnt quartz yourself using methods like cleaning, sanding, and refinishing. Persistent stains may require professional help to resurface the damaged areas. With some care and effort, you can often return your countertops to like-new condition. Just be sure to prevent future burns by using trivets religiously!